Cameron Foundation’s latest grant cycle results in more than $2.6 million for Southside Virginia nonprofits

In its June meeting, The Cameron Foundation’s Board of Directors approved $2,654,796 in new grants for 27 nonprofit organizations across the south-central region of Virginia. This is the Foundation’s second grant cycle for 2009, with a third round of new grant awards slated for October. “Earlier this year, the Foundation revisited its grant making capacity in […]

June 29, 2009; 9:04 AM • by brenda p

In its June meeting, The Cameron Foundation’s Board of Directors approved $2,654,796 in new grants for 27 nonprofit organizations across the south-central region of Virginia. This is the Foundation’s second grant cycle for 2009, with a third round of new grant awards slated for October.

“Earlier this year, the Foundation revisited its grant making capacity in light of these current economic conditions and redoubled its commitment to the nonprofit sector locally,” Board Chair Ann C. Taylor explained, adding, “The grants we’ve made this cycle reflect that effort, and we are pleased to be able to continue support for the important work of so many groups across the region.” The board also includes Larry C. Tucker, vice chair; Betty W. Thweatt, secretary; James L. Thacker, Jr., treasurer; Cleveland A. Wright, immediate past chair; Dr. Gurpal S. Bhuller; John H. Clements; Pamela Martin Comstock; and Kevin A. Hill.

The largest gift of the June cycle, a matching grant of up to $1 million to the Petersburg Library Foundation, supports the organization’s $16 million capital campaign to construct a new public library facility for the City of Petersburg. Wright, grants committee chair, commented on its significance by saying, “Through thoughtful deliberation, it became clear to us that The Cameron Foundation should accept a leadership role in this effort to enhance and expand such a vital cultural and educational resource for the community. It will benefit the region as a whole.”

The full list of June grantees include:

Central Virginia Health Planning Agency – $64,000

Central Virginia Health Services – $523,400

Chesterfield CASA, Inc. – $60,000

Colonial Heights Food Pantry – $83,000

Commonwealth Public Broadcasting Corporation – $20,000

Crater Community Hospice – $50,000

Crater District Area Agency on Aging – $45,000

Dinwiddie County Historical Society – up to $5,000

Dinwiddie High School – $39,000

Drive-To-Work – $35,000

ElderHomes Corporation – $55,000

Girl Scout Commonwealth Council of Virginia, Inc. – $28,500

Historic Hopewell Foundation, Inc. – $108,100 (over 2 years)

Homeward – $20,050

Hopewell-Prince George Chapter of the American Red Cross – $10,000

John Tyler Community College Foundation, Inc. – $72,686

Junior Achievement of Central Virginia, Inc. – $20,000

Petersburg Elite Stars – $15,000

Petersburg Library Foundation – up to $1,000,000

Restoration of Petersburg Community Development Corporation – $82,000

Richmond Economic Development Corporation – $50,000

Southside Elementary – $5,000

Sussex County Cooperative Extension – $31,000

Sussex County Public Schools – $25,000

U.S. Army Quartermaster Foundation, Inc. – $39,360

Virginia Network of Nonprofit Organizations – $150,000 (over 3 years)

Virginia Organizing Project – $18,000

Handy L. Lindsey, Jr., president, pointed out that the Foundation recently has made adjustments to its grant making guidelines in response to the economy. “Several of the June awards offer examples of how we intend to go about our grant making for the foreseeable future,” he said. More detailed information is available on the Foundation’s web site regarding its special grant making considerations for this year.

The Cameron Foundation’s service area encompasses the cities of Petersburg, Colonial Heights, and Hopewell, as well as the counties of Dinwiddie, Prince George, Sussex, and the portion of Chesterfield County lying south of U.S. Route 10. More information about the Foundation, its grant opportunities, and its grant recipients can be found on its website, www.camfound.org, or via telephone at 804-732-8900.

June 29, 2009 9:04 AM 0